US Rep. Schwartz eyes possible Pa. governor bid

HARRISBURG — U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz is now among the Democrats who are considering running for governor.

Schwartz’s top aide last month ruled out a gubernatorial bid by her boss. But her chief of staff Rachel Magnuson said Friday the fourth-term congressman has changed her mind. She’s now weighing a challenge to Republican Gov. Tom Corbett in 2014 among options that also include running for Republican Pat Toomey’s Senate seat in 2016.

Schwartz, the only woman in Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation, already has $3 million in her campaign fund. She also heads a political committee that gives money to Democratic candidates in Pennsylvania.

Numerous other Democrats are also weighing whether to seek the nomination for governor in 2014. Former state environmental protection chief John Hanger has already thrown his hat into the ring.